Aledo's annual Rhubarb Festival returns to honor local woman who started the fest in 1990

Erich Murphy, Pontiac Daily Leader
·2 min read

One of the more popular events in western Illinois returns June 7-8 as the annual Rhubarb Festival takes place.

The event will be held in downtown Aledo, which is known as the Rhubarb Capital of Illinois.

This year's festival holds particular significance as it marks the first Rhubarb Festival following the passing of founder Darlene Johnson, who passed away in December 2023.

"The Rhubarb Festival has always been a highlight on our community calendar, and this year, as we remember Darlene, it will be even more special,” Aledo Mayor Chris Hagloch said in a news release. “We are excited to welcome visitors from all over the country to enjoy one of the best events Aledo has to offer.”

Kaleb Wyse holds rhubarb, freshly harvested from his garden, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 near Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Kaleb Wyse holds rhubarb, freshly harvested from his garden, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 near Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

In 1990, Johnson’s dream of bringing people to Aledo came true.

The idea was to get folks into town with a festival centered on rhubarb. Thirty-four years later, Aledo is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from near and far to celebrate everything rhubarb.

In honor of Johnson’s impact on the festival and the whole community, the 2024 Rhubarb Festival will include a commemoration celebrating her life and contributions at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8.

“That first year Mrs. Johnson and her cousin, Barbara McWhorter offered samples of 13 Rhubarb dishes on the front lawn of the House of Burgess. That first Rhubarb Festival drew 67 people,” notes the festival website.

Festivalgoers can indulge in rhubarb-themed foods, crafts, music and entertainment suitable for the entire family.

Visitors and residents alike can also explore downtown Aledo shops and restaurants and enjoy live entertainment in the Central Park Bandshell.

Pictured is Rhubarb Festival Founder Darlene Johnson at her “Thank You/Retirement Party” held in August of 2016. Johnson founded the festival in 1990 and retired as chairperson of the committee in 2016. She still played an active role until her passing in December 2023.
Pictured is Rhubarb Festival Founder Darlene Johnson at her “Thank You/Retirement Party” held in August of 2016. Johnson founded the festival in 1990 and retired as chairperson of the committee in 2016. She still played an active role until her passing in December 2023.

“We really cannot understate just how impactful Darlene was on our entire community,” Haglock said. “Thanks to her tenacity and vision, we have this wonderful community event to look forward to every year.

"Celebrating her legacy at the Rhubarb Festival is the best way we can give thanks to her.”

To learn more about the full schedule of events, visit aledorhubarbfest.com. To learn more about the City of Aledo, visit aledoil.gov.

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Rhubarb and remembrance: Aledo's popular Rhubarb Fest returns June 7

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